On Friday morning we cruised out of Otter Cove to anchor in Agate Cove, just ten miles to the east. After exploring the beaches by dinghy, we raised the anchor and continued east to an unnamed bay on the west side of Fluor Island. We watched sailboats cruising in the channel from the solitude of our well-protected and isolated anchorage.

Home: Arkansas Traveler’s galley in the early morning light

The slant of the Saturday morning light was beautiful. We were not quite ready to head north to civilization and the Township of Red Rock. Thus we cruised south around Fluor Island and then east to Agate Island for another day of relaxation and exploration. The anchorage at Agate Island was not suitable for the apparent wind direction and it had insufficient room to swing. We backtracked to the west and then north to a group of islands and islets on the eastern side of Fluor, anchoring just north of Willard Island. A bowl of islands and rock outcroppings protects this enchanted anchorage from wind and waves.

Looking west at the series of smaller islands with Fluor Island in the background

Wildflowers on Willard Island

A meandering stream trisects Fluor Island. A dinghy can navigate most of this stream, though not completely in the east-to-west portion where it is overgrown with trees and marsh. This wilderness (part of the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area) is thick with birds and other wildlife. Bob maneuvered the dinghy slowly all afternoon through the stream and around the nearby islets. I sat on the edge of the dinghy with my feet in the water and pretended to fish.

Exploring the interior waters of Fluor Island

Questioning our intrusion into his domain, an eagle lands in a tree above the dinghy.

Sunday morning delivered a magnificent sun rising between the islands to the east. We reluctantly raised the anchor, left the pristine Willard Island anchorage, and motored four hours to Red Rock Marina where we took on fuel before tying up at a slip.

For the last three days we enjoyed the company of Canadians, waited out inclement weather, and replenished our stores of fresh produce. Tomorrow we begin the 300-mile cruise back to Sault Ste. Marie where we leave Lake Superior. The lake shores ahead are wild and undeveloped. We drop our lines in the morning and look forward to this last bit of respite.